Whales and Bad Weather

Humpback whale sightings still are the number one reported species with a number of them showing up together. This is similar to last year when we had them still in numbers in December. Some of them do not head to the warmer breeding grounds of Mexico and Hawaii, but stay where there is ample food in the cooler waters. Some of the Pacific Whitesided Dolphins were seen close to Humpbacks when some Orca also popped up. Looking through scopes and binoculars from a distance couldn’t confirm if these were Resident Orca, not a danger to the dolphins, or Transient Biggs, who hunt them. The bad stretch of weather also made it difficult to see some of the Cetaceans who may have come through. The majority of sightings are from a few who brave running water taxis in rough seas, as well as those on shore or ferries, when they are running. Every sighting report is valuable! Keep them coming.

Our thoughts are with those that have, and are suffering with the state of emergency our province had to declare due to the flooding and landslides.

The Federal Government (DFO) statement about watching whales in the wild: “To address disturbance in the presence of whales, a mandatory 400-metre vessel approach distance for all killer whales is in effect starting June 1, 2020 in all southern British Columbia coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet. The Marine Mammal Regulations continue to remain in effect year-round, including maintaining a minimum 200 metre approach distance from all killer whales in Canadian Pacific waters other than described above, and 100 metres for other whales, porpoises and dolphins OR 200 metres when the animal is in resting position or with a calf.”

WOWs works throughout the year, so please continue to keep your eyes open, and report your sightings to us.